Family Therapist

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MacKillop Family Services is hiring a full‑time on‑site Family Therapist in Blacktown for an 18‑month fixed term, delivering FFT‑CW model family therapy and reporting to the Family Therapy Supervisor. The role aims to hold and reduce risk for families referred by DCJ due to child protection concerns and imminent OOHC placement, with initial case conceptualization within 24 hours and the first session within 48 hours. Key requirements include a Bachelor in Social Work or Psychology (or Aboriginal Health Worker/Community Welfare Worker) or Master of Counselling, plus postgrad training in child and family practice and relevant clinical experience. Also needed are a NSW Driver’s Licence, WWCC, satisfactory criminal history, and NDIS Worker Screening or application. To apply, align your resume to rapid risk assessment, engagement with Aboriginal and CALD families, and cultural safety; contact Shafia Nisha for details.

Position purpose

The Family Therapist provides family therapy utilizing the FFT-CW model and as a member of the FFT – CW team reporting to the Family Therapy Supervisor.

This is a 18-month fixed term contract based in Blacktown reporting to FTT Supervisor.

Primary objectives

The FFT-CW Family Therapist provides Family therapy utilizing the FFT-CW model to client families where a child/ren are referred to the program by DCJ because of the child protection risk to the family and the imminent likelihood of an OOHC placement for the child/ren. Therefore, holding and reducing risk in the family home is a paramount objective for the person responsible for the role.

Key result areas and responsibilities

• Assess and hold a degree of risk and act in a responsible and ethical way when managing and working towards reducing the level of risk in the family. This will include transparency and adhering to mandatory reporting Laws and direction from management.
• Work respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and CALD families.
• Review referral information, identify and engage key participants, clearly identify the clinical needs of families, identifying systemic strengths and limitations, and develop an analysis of the fit of problem behaviors within the ecological context towards the development of a Behavioral Change Plan.
• Complete initial case conceptualization within 24 hours of referral and before first phone call and Schedule first session within 48 hours of referral.
• Engage primary caregiver and other key participants including the child/ren in active change-oriented treatment by identifying and overcoming barriers to engagement.

Key Selection Criteria:

• A Bachelors qualification in Social Work or Psychology/ Aboriginal Health Worker / Community Welfare Worker or Master of Counselling.  
• Post Graduate training in relevant child, adolescent and family clinical practice, family therapy and systemic thinking is strongly preferred.  
• Clinical experience working with families/ adolescents strongly preferred.  

Additional Requirements:

• Valid and current NSW Driver’s License.
• Valid and current NSW Working with Children Check. 
•  Satisfactory criminal history check conducted by MacKillop Family Services. 
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check or can provide proof of application  

For further information please contact Shafia Nisha at [email protected]

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age. 

It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.